Hue Citadel Tour by Train

Experience the enchanting Hue Imperial City Tour and delve into the rich history and traditions of Vietnam’s last feudatory empire. Visit the magnificent Hue Imperial City, explore ancient pagodas, and marvel at the stunning tombs of Khai Dinh King.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Da Nang - Welcome to our wonderful Da Nang. Prepare for an unforgettable 1-day adventure with our local expert!

6:45am: We gather the group in Da Nang city center to head to Da Nang Train Station and begin our journey to explore Hue city.

  • Danang Train Station - At Da Nang Train Station, you’ll board our local train.

The train ride from Da Nang to Hue takes about 3 hours, offering a scenic route along central Vietnam’s coast with breathtaking views of beaches, mountains, and countryside landscapes.

This picturesque route provides a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region’s natural beauty.

Train travel can be more comfortable and relaxing compared to other transportation modes. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as the train takes us to our destination.

Trains typically offer more legroom and seating space, allowing you to stretch out and unwind during the trip.

  • Hai Van Pass - On the train to Hue City, the first spectacular natural scene is Hai Van mountain pass, one of the world’s top ten most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.

The train travels through dense jungle as it winds around the coast, with glimpses of hidden beaches through the forest.

When the train climbs high enough, there are stunning views of the skyline across the Bay of Da Nang.

Additionally, the pass is rich in history, having been a strategic military location during the Vietnam War.

Don’t forget to listen to many unique and interesting stories about it from our local expert.

  • Ga Lăng Cô - After the exciting train journey, our driver will pick us up at the Train Station in Thua Thien Hue and transfer us to our destinations.
  • Lang Co Beach - With mountains on one side and the sea on the other, the train makes a 10-minute stop at Lăng Cô Station for us to admire the beauty of Lang Co Bay (one of the most beautiful bays in the world, dubbed the “most magnificent scenery under the heavens”).

As a pristine sea bay located at the foot of Hai Van pass, with a flat beach, beautiful blue water, and a diverse ecosystem, Lang Co beach leaves us feeling awed and overwhelmed.

Moreover, we’ll also pass Lap An Lagoon - a hidden gem nestled between the majestic mountain range and the pristine Lang Co Bay on the train. It’s known for its pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and idyllic setting along Vietnam’s central coast.

Immerse yourself in nature before embarking on a unique journey of Vietnam’s cultural and historical discovery at Hue Citadel.

We hope our friendliness and hospitality make the trip even more enjoyable and engaging from start to finish.

  • Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) - As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel stands as a testament to the country’s rich past, serving as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural marvels within the complex, blending traditional Vietnamese design with French influences, offer a visual feast for us.

Exploring the Forbidden Purple City, Royal Palace, and various temples provides deep insight into the royal life and traditions of Vietnam.

The picturesque setting along the Perfume River, surrounded by verdant gardens and scenic landscapes, adds to the allure of this historical gem.

With our local expert, your trip to Hue Imperial City will be a fascinating journey through time, providing insights into Vietnamese history, culture, and architectural splendor.

  • The Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) - As the main entrance to the citadel, Noon Gate holds a special place in Vietnam’s imperial history. It served as the gateway for the emperor’s procession during important ceremonies and events.

It’s a large U-shaped structure consisting of a brick and stone foundation and a wooden pavilion with terracotta tiles. The gate’s imposing structure, with its distinctive red color and intricate design, symbolizes power and grandeur.

Exploring Noon Gate allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional Vietnamese architecture and offers a glimpse into the royal rituals and traditions of the past.

With our local experts, we’ll show you the best of what it can offer, ensuring you have a great time with detailed insights into Vietnam’s history, culture, and people.

  • Thai Hoa Palace - As the central and most important building within the citadel, Thai Hoa Palace served as the official reception hall for the Nguyen emperors, where important ceremonies and royal events took place.

The palace’s impressive architecture, characterized by its traditional Vietnamese design, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant colors, exemplifies the grandeur and sophistication of the imperial court.

Exploring Thai Hoa Palace means stepping back in time and imagining the grand ceremonies and traditions held here.

Inside, you can see ancient artifacts, royal items, and special decorations that reveal Vietnam’s royal past.

Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere of the palace grounds, with its beautiful gardens and calm ponds, creates a relaxing environment for you to enjoy the palace’s beauty and historical importance.

  • The Mieu Temple - The Mieu Temple is a sacred site within the citadel dedicated to the worship of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. As an important part of Vietnamese royal tradition, the temple offers a glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the imperial court.

The temple’s architecture, characterized by intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and traditional design elements, showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of the era.

Here, our local expert will explain and tell you the stories of each King of the Nguyen Dynasty, giving you deep insight into the culture of ancestor worship in Vietnam.

  • Thien Mu Pagoda - As one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda holds a special place in the country’s religious heritage.

The pagoda’s seven-story octagonal tower, known as the Phuoc Duyen Tower, is a symbol of Hue and offers panoramic views of the Perfume River and surrounding countryside.

Join us to explore the pagoda complex, which includes shrines, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation.

The pagoda’s historical importance, tranquil ambiance, and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

We love to share stories about our culture, history, and the significance of this pagoda to give you a deeper appreciation and interesting knowledge of Hue’s unique heritage.

  • Tomb of Khai Dinh - This elaborate mausoleum, built for Emperor Khai Dinh, showcases a fusion of traditional Vietnamese design elements with European influences, reflecting the emperor’s affinity for Western culture.

The tomb’s opulent interior features colorful mosaics, detailed carvings, and ornate decorations, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich experience for us to admire.

Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb allows you to delve into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and gain insight into the life and legacy of Emperor Khai Dinh.

The picturesque location of the tomb, nestled amidst scenic hills and lush greenery, adds to its allure and provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the architectural marvels within.

Afterwards, we’ll leave Hue and return to Da Nang city.

Around 18:00: Our bus brings you back to your hotel. The tour ends, and we hope to see you again on future trips with us!

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch - Vietnamese Local Cuisine (vegetarian food available)
  • Enthusiastic, experienced & professional English-speaking local guide
  • Air-Conditioned bus/coach with Safe Driver
  • A two-way hotel transfers pick up & drop off in Da Nang city center
  • A one-way Da Nang - Hue local and authentic train ticket
  • Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
  • Tips for tour guide & driver
  • Small surcharge in Vietnam public holidays (we’ll inform you in advance via Whatsapp message)
  • Pick-up & drop-off for far locations listed on Meeting&pickup section: 4-seat car: $12/way, max 3pax
  • Pick-up & drop-off for far locations listed on Meeting&pickup section: 7-seat car: $15/way, max 5pax
Additional Information

Join this guided trip with our local experts to explore a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights of Hue.

Experience the uniquely scenic & local train with different picturesque landscape views on the way, especially the famous Hai Van Pass & enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Then, we admire the pristine white sand beach, crystal-clear waters at Lang Co Beach.

In Hue Imperial City, we’ll tell you all fascinating historical stories & visit the unique architecture with the confluence of many cultures.

Be impressed by the well-preserved architectures from the last dynasty at Khai Dinh Emperor’s tomb.

Immerse yourself in a sense of tranquility and spiritual serenity of Thien Mu pagoda and Perfume river.

Moreover, you’ll be full satisfied with delicious local food at lunch.

Don’t forget to feel how enthusiastic & experienced our guides are as we always try best to bring the happiness, deliver great stories to our beloved travelers.

  • Children must be accompanied by at least an adult
  • In case if it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • Check the weather forecast (we also check & inform you) in advance to prepare weather-appropriate clothes
  • You’ll receive a confirmation at the time of booking
  • Please provide us your WhatsApp or phone number for us to easily contact and confirm the pick-up time & location
  • Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any question about accessibility. For quick support, contact us 24/7.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Location
Da Nang
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Irina
Nov 18, 2023
The tour was great, very informative. Our guide Oanh spoke very good English. That was really good - The tour through Hue was very informative. The old imperial city has a lot to offer and the squares are beautifully decorated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jankt156yx
Sep 21, 2023
Perfect Hue tour - I saw everything according to tour program. The tour guide was great. She knew a lot about Hue history and last monarchy dynasty. She spoke English very well and it was really easy to understand everything. Lunch was very tasty. I had a chance to try some traditional vietnamese food. The bus picked me up from my hotel and brought me back to the same place. To sum up, I recommend this tour 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless220699
Sep 19, 2022
Wonderful experience!! - Excellent experience for my friends and I. Very clean van we rode in with a very professional driver. We had a wonderful lunch with Hue’s traditional meal in a spotless restaurant with very friendly staff. Our Tour guide, Ms Oanh was very professional and knowledgeable with the subjects of the tour. Ms Oanh is proficient with the English language.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 13 guests
4 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today